Fantasy Baseball All-Stars week 15 2012

Hitters: Mike Trout, Ryan Zimmerman, Miguel Cabrera, Yoenis Cespedes, Jason Kubel, and Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon Phillips, Albert Pujols, Josh Willingham, Buster Posey.

Pitchers: Aroldis Chapman, Doug Fister, Felix Hernandez, Justin Verlander, Jordan Zimmermann, Ben Sheets, David Price, Greg Holland, Tim Lincecum, Joel Hanrahan.

Stats were compiled over a ten-day span due to the All-Star Break.

MLB Day 108 2012

Once again, it's a full slate of games, beginning in...

Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Philip Humber and Jacob Turner are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Chicago started in the first inning on an Alex Rios single to bring in Adam Dunn. Detroit answered in the bottom of the first as Quintin Berry hit a two-run home run, also scoring Austin Jackson, followed by a Miguel Cabrera solo home run. The Tigers padded the lead in the third inning on a Cabrera solo shot and a Brennan Boesch two-run home run, sweeping in Prince Fielder. The White Sox got some back in the sixth inning as Rios hit a two-run home run, knocking in Paul Konerko. Chicago got another in the seventh inning when Kevin Youkilis hit a solo home run. They didn't get any closer, losing 6-4, with Turner picking up the win, Joaquin Benoit grabbing a spot save, and Humber was stuck with the loss.

Over in New York, the Mets host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nathan Eovaldi and Jonathon Niese get the starting nods. Los Angeles opened in the fourth inning as Juan Rivera hit a two-run home run, also scoring Matt Kemp. New York got on the board as Josh Thole singled in Daniel Murphy in the bottom of the fourth. The Dodgers padded the lead in the sixth inning when Andre Ethier singled around Mark Ellis. The Mets replied in the seventh inning as Murphy singled to plate Ike Davis. New York tied it in the ninth inning as Davis grounded out to bring home Ruben Tejada. Los Angeles got the lead in the twelfth inning as Matt Treanor hit a 2-RBI single to drive in James Loney and Kemp, followed by Luis Cruz singling in Ethier, and then Adam Kennedy doubled both Treanor and Cruz home. They held on to win 8-3, with the win belonging to Josh Wall, while Ramon Ramirez was on the hook for the loss.

Back west, the Cincinnati Reds host the Milwaukee Brewers. Mike Fiers and Johnny Cueto play on the mound. Milwaukee got going in the third inning as Aramis Ramirez singled to knock in Norichika Aoki. Cincinnati tied it in the bottom of the third as Wilson Valdez singled home Chris Heisey before taking the lead on a Brandon Phillips sacrifice fly to finish Valdez's trip around. This was it for the scoring, with the final sitting at 2-1, allowing Cueto the win, Aroldis Chapman tossed the save, and Fiers had little support in the loss.

East to Boston, where the Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Jon Lester are tabbed to start. Toronto rallied ahead in the first inning with a Brett Lawrie solo home run, followed by Edwin Encarnacion's ground rule double to force in Yunel Escobar, a groundout by J.P. Arencibia to knock in Colby Rasmus, a double from Rajai Davis to finish Encarnacion's trip, and a Jeff Mathis sacrifice to score Davis. Boston got some back in the bottom of the first as Adrian Gonzalez hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia. The Blue Jays replied in the second inning as Arencibia went yard on a three-run blast, taking Lawrie and Encarnacion with him, followed by Davis solo shot. The Red Sox answered in the fourth inning with a Mike Aviles sacrifice fly to drive in Gonzalez. Toronto shot back in the fifth inning when Travis Snider hit a two-run home, also scoring Davis. Boston got one back in their half of the inning as Ellsbury hit a solo home run. The Red Sox clawed closer in the sixth inning with Aviles doubling in Ryan Sweeney before coming home on a Nick Punto double. The Blue Jays extended their lead in the eighth inning when Rasmus singled both Omar Vizquel and Lawrie in, followed by sacrifice flies from Encarnacion and Snider to plate Escobar and Rasmus, respectively. The final ended up as 15-7, with Alvarez turning in a sloppy win while Lester was shelled in the loss.

West to Pittsburgh, where the Pirates host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Jeff Karstens are the underrated pitchers. Pittsburgh began in the first inning as Andrew McCutchen singled home Alex Presley. The Pirates added on in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Pedro Alvarez, also scoring Casey McGehee. This was all for the scoring, with the final at 3-0. Karstens pitched well for a win, Joel Hanrahan turned the save, and Sanchez had no help in the loss.

Into DC, as the Washington Nationals welcome the Atlanta Braves. Jair Jurrjens and Ross Detwiler are the inconsistent pitchers. Washington led off with a two-run Ryan Zimmerman home run, also scoring Bryce Harper, followed by Danny Espinosa doubling in Michael Morse before scoring on a Roger Bernadina single. The Nationals added on in the third inning as Zimmerman hit a solo home run and Espinosa singled to knock in Morse. Washington struck again in the fifth inning with Sandy Leon doubling to plate both Morse and Espinosa. Atlanta got on the board in the sixth inning when Martin Prado scored on a passed ball and Freddie Freeman grounded out to bring in Jason Heyward. The Nationals replied in the bottom of the sixth with Bernadina singling Zimmerman safely home. This made it 9-2, a final, with Detwiler notching the win and Jurrjens getting crushed in the loss.

Back in Pennsylvania, as the Philadelphia Phillies host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Joe Blanton are the veteran starters. San Francisco was first to score with a first inning Nate Schierholtz solo home run. Philadelphia tied it in the bottom of the first as Chase Utley tripled to force in Shane Victorino. The Giants took the lead again in the fourth inning on a Pablo Sandoval double to knock in Buster Posey. The Phillies retied it in the bottom of the fourth as John Mayberry hit a solo shot. Philadelphia took the lead in the seventh inning as Mayberry hit another solo home run. San Francisco tied it back up in the eighth inning on another Schierholtz solo shot. The Phillies won in the twelfth inning with a walkoff Jimmy Rollins single to plate Carlos Ruiz for the 4-3 victory. Kyle Kendrick picked up the win while Brad Penny was responsible for the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, where the Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Matt Moore show alliteration in the pitching match. Seattle opened with a Jesus Montero double to get Ichiro home in the first inning. Tampa Bay tied it in their half of the inning as Matt Joyce singled to plate Ben Zobrist. The Mariners took the lead again in the second inning on a Brendan Ryan double knocking in Michael Saunders. This ended the scoring at 2-1, with Beaven pitching very well for a win, Tom Wilhelmsen shutting the door for his tenth save of the season, and Moore not getting much help in the loss.

Northwest to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Minnesota Twins. Samuel Deduno and Jeremy Guthrie will draw the starts. Minnesota led off with a second inning Ryan Doumit solo home run. The Twins added on in the third inning with Doumit singling in Jamey Carroll and Ben Revere before scoring alongside Joe Mauer on a Brian Dozier double. Kansas City got on the board in the fourth inning with a Lorenzo Cain sacrifice fly to bring around Mike Moustakas. Minnesota answered in the sixth inning as Doumit hit another solo shot. The Twins padded the lead in the seventh inning when Denard Span doubled to knock in Carroll. The Royals got some back in the eighth inning as Billy Butler hit a two-run home run, also scoring Moustakas. Kansas City pulled closer in the ninth inning with Alex Gordon hitting a sacrifice fly to allow Eric Hosmer to score, followed by a Yuniesky Betancourt solo home run, but this only made it a 7-5 final. Deduno picked up the win while Guthrie was handed the loss.

Across Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs. Travis Wood and Lance Lynn have the green light to pitch. St. Louis wasted no time in getting a first inning lead with Jon Jay doubling both Allen Craig and Matt Holliday home before scoring alongside David Freese on a Tony Cruz double. The Cardinals added on in the fourth inning as Tyler Greene hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Daniel Descalso. St. Louis extended the lead in the fifth inning on solo home runs by Holliday and Carlos Beltran. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 7-0, with Lynn getting the win and Wood taking the loss.

Northeast to Cleveland, where the Indians host the Baltimore Orioles. Zach Britton and Josh Tomlin will make the starts. Baltimore got things going in the first inning with a two-run home run from J.J. Hardy, also scoring Nick Markakis. The Orioles added on in the seventh inning when Hardy singled in Ryan Flaherty. Baltimore padded the lead in the eighth inning with a Wilson Betemit solo home run. Cleveland tried a ninth inning rally with a two-run home run by Carlos Santana, sweeping in Michael Brantley, followed by Travis Hafner singling in Shelley Duncan, but they couldn't get the tying run and fell 4-3. Britton was given the win, Jim Johnson finally mopped up the mess for the save, his thirtieth of the season, and Tomlin took the loss.

Way west to San Diego, where the Padres host the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Ross Ohlendorf are the little known pitchers. Colorado struck first with a first inning Marco Scutaro single to bring in Eric Young. San Diego tied it in their half of the inning with Chase Headley hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Alexi Amarista. The Rockies took the lead back in the second inning as DJ LeMahieu doubled home Josh Rutledge. The Padres tied it in the fourth inning on a John Baker single to drive in Everth Cabrera. San Diego took the lead in the seventh inning as Will Venable singled to score Cabrera. This stood up for a 3-2 win, with Dale Thayer in line for the win, Huston Street finishing for the save, and Adam Ottavino on the hook for the loss.

Up the California coast, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees. Staff aces CC Sabathia and Bartolo Colon pace the game. New York established a lead in the third inning as Mark Teixeira singled in Dewayne Wise, followed by a 2-RBI Alex Rodriguez double to drive in Chris Stewart and Curtis Granderson. The Yankees got another in the fourth inning when Granderson hit a solo home run. Oakland got on the board in the fifth inning with solo shots from Brandon Inge and Kurt Suzuki. The Athletics pulled closed in the sixth inning when Inge grounded into a fielder's choice that got Yoenis Cespedes home. Oakland tied it in the ninth inning on a Seth Smith solo home run. The Athletics won 5-4 in the twelfth inning with a walkoff single from Coco Crisp to knock in Derek Norris. Jerry Blevins was given the win while Cody Eppley suffered the loss.

Southeast to Phoenix, where the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles and Josh Collmenter are the struggling starters. Houston began with a second inning Justin Maxwell solo home run. Arizona tied it in the bottom of the second as Jason Kubel hit a solo shot. The Astros took the lead again in the sixth inning on a Chris Johnson double to drive in Scott Moore. The Diamondbacks took the lead in the bottom of the sixth as Miguel Montero reached on an error, allowing both Stephen Drew and Aaron Hill to dash home, before Chris Young hit a three-run home run to clear the bases of Kubel and Montero, followed by Gerardo Parra singling both Ryan Wheeler and Ryan Roberts across the dish. This made it 8-2, a final, where Collmenter notched the win while Lyles was stuck with the loss.

Finally, in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Texas Rangers. Matt Harrison and Dan Haren take the hill. Los Angeles started with a first inning Albert Pujols double to force in Mike Trout. The Angels added on in the second inning when Alberto Callaspo scored on a passed ball and Bobby Wilson singled in Maicer Izturis. Texas got some back in the fourth inning on a two-run Nelson Cruz home run, also scoring Michael Young. Los Angeles extended their lead in the seventh inning when Wilson hit a solo home run, followed by a two-run home run from Pujols, sweeping in Torii Hunter. The Rangers took one back in the eighth inning when Young singled to plate Elvis Andrus. The Angels fired back in the bottom of the eighth as Hunter singled Wilson safely home. Texas tried a ninth inning rally as Andrus hit a sacrifice fly allowing David Murphy to score, but they still lost 7-4. Haren grabbed the win and Harrison had a rough loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 107 2012

Full slate plus one today, as our first pair of teams make up a rainout with a doubleheader. We start in...

DC, as the Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. Game one will see Ben Sheets and Edwin Jackson pitching. Atlanta started with a second inning solo home run from Brian McCann. The Braves got another in the eighth inning as Michael Bourn scored on a wild pitch. Atlanta struck again in the ninth inning with a two-run Chipper Jones home run, sweeping in Paul Janish. This made it a 4-0 final, with the win belonging to Sheets and the loss to Jackson.

In game two, the pitchers are Randall Delgado and John Lannan. Atlanta quickly got a lead in the first inning as Chipper Jones doubled in Jason Heyward before scoring on a Freddie Freeman single. Washington got on the board in the fifth inning when Danny Espinosa scored on a wild pitch. The Nationals tied it with a sixth inning Ian Desmond groundout giving Roger Bernadina time to score. Washington took the lead in the seventh inning on a Bernadina single to plate Sandy Leon. The Nationals got another in the eighth inning as Espinosa singled Bryce Harper in, followed by Mark DeRosa reaching on an error, allowing Espinosa to finish his trip around. This was all they needed for a 5-2 win, picked up by Lannan, while Tyler Clippard tossed the save and Cristhian Martinez was pinned with the loss.

Into New York, as the Mets host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano faces his old team, who will send out Miguel Batista. Los Angeles opened in the first inning as James Loney singled home Matt Kemp. The Dodgers added on in the third inning as Juan Uribe doubled both Adam Kennedy and Andre Ethier safely home before scoring on a Luis Cruz single. New York got on the board in their half of the inning with Scott Hairston singling to plate Jordany Valdespin and Jason Bay doing the same for Ruben Tejada. Los Angeles answered in the fourth inning as Kemp tripled to force in Kennedy. The Dodgers struck again in the fifth inning as Matt Treanor doubled Uribe across the dish. The Mets got one back in the sixth inning on a solo home run from Ronny Cedeno. New York pulled closer in the eighth inning as Daniel Murphy tripled to force in Hairston, before coming home on a Kirk Nieuwenhuis groundout. Los Angeles extended the lead when Uribe hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning, also scoring Loney. This made it 8-5, a final, where Capuano got the win, Kenley Jansen closed for the save, and Batista was handed the loss.

Up into Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Chris Sale and Rick Porcello will be given the ball. Chicago started with a fifth inning Dayan Viciedo single to knock in Alex Rios. Detroit answered in the bottom of the fifth as Austin Jackson doubled in both Gerald Laird and Danny Worth. The Tigers added on in the sixth inning as Brennan Boesch hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Miguel Cabrera and Jhonny Peralta. Detroit struck again in the eighth inning as Jackson hit a 2-RBI single to score both Peralta and Laird. This made it 7-1, a final, with Porcello earning the win and Sale taking the loss.

Back east, the Philadelphia Phillies host the San Francisco Giants. Aces Matt Cain and Cole Hamels will pace the game. Philadelphia got going with a first inning Chase Utley solo home run. San Francisco tied it in the third inning on a solo shot by the pitcher Cain, before taking the lead with a two-run Buster Posey home run, also scoring Melky Cabrera. The Phillies took one back as their pitcher Hamels hit a solo home run in the bottom of the third. The Giants added on in the fifth inning as Posey singled Ryan Theriot across the dish. Philadelphia took the lead again in the sixth inning with a three-run Ryan Howard home run, sweeping in Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino. San Francisco retied it in the eighth inning as Cabrera hit a solo shot. The Giants made it 6-5 in the tenth inning as Gregor Blanco reached on a bunt single to plate Cabrera, and they made it stand as a final. Sergio Romo notched the win, Santiago Casilla turned the save, and Jonathan Papelbon was on the hook for the loss.

Way west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim welcome the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish and Ervin Santana take their turns in the rotation. Texas began with a first inning Michael Young single to bring in Elvis Andrus. The Rangers added on in the second inning with solo home runs by Mike Napoli and Yorvit Torrealba, followed by Ian Kinsler doubling in Craig Gentry, and a two-run Adrian Beltre home run to finish Kinsler's trip around. Texas got another in the third inning as Napoli hit a solo shot. Los Angeles got on the board in the bottom of the third as Mike Trout singled Erick Aybar around. The Angels got another in the fifth inning when Torii Hunter singled to plate Trout. The Rangers extended their lead in the eighth inning as Kinsler hit a two-run home run, also scoring Gentry. The final stood from here at 9-2, with Darvish getting the win and Santana suffered the loss.

Back in the east, the Cleveland Indians host the Baltimore Orioles. Chris Tillman and Zach McAllister are the relatively unknown pitchers. Cleveland wasted no time in scoring with a first inning Shin-Soo Choo solo home run. Baltimore took the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run Jim Thome home run, also scoring J.J. Hardy. The Orioles got another in the eighth inning as Ryan Flaherty hit a solo shot. This was it for the scoring, with final being 3-1. Tillman got the win, Jim Johnson converted the save, and McAllister was stuck holding the loss.

East a little more into Pittsburgh, where the Pirates host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and A.J. Burnett are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh got going in the first inning on a Garrett Jones groundout to bring around Alex Presley. Miami tied it in the second inning with a Justin Ruggiano solo home run. The Pirates took the lead back in the fourth inning as Burnett reached on an error that scored Rod Barajas, followed by Neil Walker hitting a sacrifice fly to get Clint Barmes home, Jones striking out but allowing Burnett to dash home, and Casey McGehee drawing a walk with the bases loaded to force in Presley. The scoring ended here, at 5-1, with Burnett earning the win, Brad Lincoln getting a four-out save, and Zambrano was handed the loss.

Back in Ohio, the Cincinnati Reds host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Bronson Arroyo are the reliable pitchers. Cincinnati rallied to a first inning lead when Jay Bruce singled in Zack Cozart, Scott Rolen hit a sacrifice fly to score Brandon Phillips, and Ryan Ludwick hit a two-run home run to sweep in Bruce. Milwaukee got on the board in the fourth inning with Corey Hart singling to knock in Travis Ishikawa. The Brewers pulled closer in the sixth inning when Aramis Ramirez grounded into a double play that gave Ishikawa time to dart home. The Reds extended their lead in the seventh inning as Phillips hit a two-run home run, also scoring Cozart. This made it 6-2 in the end, with Arroyo earning the win and Gallardo taking the loss.

Down to Tampa Bay, as the Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Alex Cobb are sent out to pitch. Seattle quickly scored in the first inning as Michael Saunders singled both Casper Wells and John Jaso home. Tampa Bay got on the board in the seventh inning when Jose Lobaton singled, which combined with an error to bring in Desmond Jennings. They couldn't tie it, falling 2-1, giving Vargas the win, Tom Wilhelmsen the save, and Cobb the loss.

North to Boston, as the Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Carlos Villanueva and Aaron Cook take their turns in the rotation. Boston drew first blood with a three-run second inning Jarrod Saltalamacchia home run, sweeping in Adrian Gonzalez and Cody Ross. Toronto got on the board in the third inning with a Brett Lawrie sacrifice fly, allowing Kelly Johnson to dart home. The Blue Jays tied it in the sixth inning on a two-run Edwin Encarnacion home run, also scoring Colby Rasmus. Toronto took the lead in the seventh inning when J.P. Arencibia hit a solo home run, followed by Lawrie singling both Yunel Escobar and Rajai Davis across the dish. The Blue Jays extended the lead in the ninth inning as Rasmus reached on a fielder's choice that brought in Davis, making 7-3 the final. Villanueva notched the win while Cook was stuck with the loss. 

Westward to Kansas City, where the Royals welcome the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Luis Mendoza will handle the pitching responsibilities. Kansas City got going in the first inning on a Lorenzo Cain single, scoring Alex Gordon. The Royals got another in the second inning with Yuniesky Betancourt singling to plate Mike Moustakas. Minnesota tied it in the fourth inning when Joe Mauer grounded out to get Ben Revere home and Chris Parmelee grounded into a fielder's choice to get Josh Willingham home. Kansas City took the lead back in the fifth inning as Cain singled Gordon across the dish and Moustakas reached on an error that allowed Alcides Escobar to dash home. The Twins got one back in the seventh inning when Jamey Carroll doubled Parmelee safely home. The Royals answered in their half of the inning with Cain doubling Billy Butler safely home. Kansas City added on in the eighth inning as Betancourt doubled Jeff Francoeur home and Gordon singled Chris Getz in. The final stood at 7-3, with Mendoza getting the win, Aaron Crow turning a spot save, and Diamond was pinned with the loss.

Across the state, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Jake Westbrook take the mound. St. Louis opened in a big way with a seventh inning rally sparked by Rafael Furcal singling in David Freese, followed by Skip Schumaker tripling to force in Allen Craig and Furcal before he crossed home on a Carlos Beltran ground rule double, and then both Matt Holliday and Beltran scored on a double from Freese, followed by Jon Jay doubling both Yadier Molina and Freese safely home, before he scored on a Craig double, and then Schumaker struck again with a double to finish Craig's trip around before coming home alongside Furcal on a Holliday double. This twelve spot was all the scoring we'd see, with the final sitting at 12-0, allowing Westbrook the win while Justin Germano was stuck with the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the Houston Astros. Dallas Keuchel and Wade Miley are the young pitchers. Arizona began in the first inning with a two-run Jason Kubel home run, also scoring Aaron Hill. Houston got on the board in the fourth inning as Chris Johnson singled home Justin Maxwell. The Diamondbacks answered in their half of the inning with Willie Bloomquist hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Chris Young, Hill singling Ryan Roberts around, and Kubel hitting a three-run home run to sweep in Miley and Hill. Arizona got some more in the fifth inning as Bloomquist hit a 2-RBI single, plating Young and Roberts. The Diamondbacks got another in the sixth inning as Kubel hit a solo home run. The Astros took one back in the eighth inning with Maxwell singling Jose Altuve safely home. Arizona replied in the bottom of the eighth as Henry Blanco doubled Paul Goldschmidt across the plate before scoring himself on a Young double. Houston got one back in the ninth inning as Carlos Corporan singled Johnson in, making it 12-3 for a final. Miley got the win while Keuchel was shelled in the loss.

West into San Diego, as the Padres host the Colorado Rockies. Jeff Francis and Kip Wells are the uninspiring pitchers. San Diego started early in the first inning as Chase Headley singled both Chris Denorfia and Logan Forsythe home. The Padres got another in the sixth inning on a Jesus Guzman solo home run. Colorado got on the board in the fourth inning with Jordan Pacheco singling in both Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer, followed by Ramon Hernandez hitting a single to give Tyler Colvin time to score and Josh Rutledge following suit to finish Hernandez's trip around. The Rockies padded the lead in the fifth inning as Colvin singled Cuddyer safely home before scoring on a Pacheco double. San Diego answered in the bottom of the fifth when Everth Cabrera doubled to drive in Guzman and then scored on a Denorfia single. The Padres tied it in the eighth inning as Yasmani Grandal singled to knock in Cameron Maybin. Colorado took the lead again in the twelfth inning as Pacheco singled Cuddyer in, before scoring on a Hernandez single, and they made it stand for an 8-6 win. Carlos Torres picked up the win, Rafael Betancourt tossed the save, and Joe Thatcher took the loss.

Finally, up in Oakland, the Athletics host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Jarrod Parker are on the hill. New York led off with a fourth inning Raul Ibanez single to get Alex Rodriguez home. Oakland tied it in their half of the inning with a Yoenis Cespedes solo home run. The Athletics took a lead in the eighth inning when Brandon Inge hit a solo shot. This was all they needed to win 2-1, with Parker going strong for a win, Sean Doolittle getting a spot save, and Hughes was on the hook for the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

MLB Day 106 2012

Back to the full slate once again. We begin with...

The Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Kevin Correia are the under-performing starters. Miami quickly started with a leadoff solo home run by Jose Reyes, followed Carlos Lee grounding out to get Emilio Bonifacio home. Pittsburgh answered in their half of the inning as Garrett Jones singled to knock in Alex Presley. The Marlins added on in the fourth inning when Nolasco sacrificed to get Omar Infante home. The Pirates fired back in the bottom of the fourth on a Pedro Alvarez solo shot, before tying it when Clint Barmes singled to knock in Rod Barajas. Pittsburgh took the lead in the fifth inning as Neil Walker hit a solo home run. This held up throughout the rest of the game for a 4-3 win, picked up by Correia, while Joel Hanrahan worked from a jam to turn the save, and Nolasco was responsible for the loss.

West into Ohio, where the Cleveland Indians host the Baltimore Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez is mismatched with Derek Lowe. Baltimore led off in the first inning as Adam Jones walked on a wild pitch, allowing J.J. Hardy to dash home. Cleveland tied it in the bottom of the first on an Asdrubal Cabrera solo home run. The Orioles took the lead back in the third inning as Matt Wieters reached on a fielder's choice to get Jim Thome home, before scoring alongside Wilson Betemit on a Mark Reynolds double, and then Ryan Flaherty hit a threer-un home run to clear the bases of Chris Davis and Reynolds. Baltimore got some more in the fourth inning on a Thome solo shot, followed by Davis grounding into a fielder's choice to bring in Jones. The Orioles got another in the sixth inning as Betemit grounded out, bringing around Jones. The Indians took one back in the seventh inning with a Jack Hannahan solo home run. This was as close as it got, with the final standing at 10-2, with Gonzalez picking up an easy win and Lowe suffering a brutal loss.

Back in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Phillies host the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Vance Worley get the starting nods. Philadelphia got on the board in the fourth inning when Shane Victorino scored on a balk. San Francisco tied it in the fifth inning as Eli Whiteside doubled to drive home Nate Schierholtz. The Giants took the lead in the sixth inning on a Pablo Sandoval sacrifice fly to knock in Ryan Theriot. The Phillies took one back in the bottom of the sixth when Ryan Howard hit a solo home run. San Francisco got another in the eighth inning as Brandon Crawford singled Sandoval across the dish. This stood as a 7-2 final, with Lincecum getting the win while Worley was on the hook for the loss.

Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Chicago White Sox. Aces Jake Peavy and Justin Verlander pace the game. Chicago was first to score in the third inning on a two-run Alejandro De Aza home run, also scoring Alexei Ramirez. Detroit replied in their half of the inning when Miguel Cabrera singled in Jhonny Peralta, Prince Fielder followed suit for Quintin Berry, and Delmon Young doubled to drive in Cabrera. The Tigers added on in the seventh inning when Austin Jackson singled Peralta across the dish. This made it a 4-2 win, with Verlander getting the win, Jose Valverde converting the save, and Peavy suffered the loss.

Back east, the Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson and Stephen Strasburg are the talented pitchers. Washington established a first inning lead on a three-run Michael Morse home run, sweeping in Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche. The Nationals got more as Zimmerman hit a three-run blast in the fourth inning, also scoring Steve Lombardozzi and Bryce Harper. Washington got some more in the fifth inning as Michael Morse scored on a walk drawn by Strasburg and Lombardozzi singled both Ian Desmond and Jesus Flores home. Atlanta got on the board as Brian McCann hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning, knocking in Freddie Freeman, followed by Martin Prado doubling both Dan Uggla and Eric Hinske safely home. The Braves rallied closer in the eighth inning when Jason Heyward drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Uggla, followed by a 2-RBI Chipper Jones single scoring both Paul Janish and Prado, and a Freeman single to finish Heyward's trip around. Atlanta found a lead in the ninth inning as Michael Bourn tripled to force in both Uggla and Janish. The Nationals tied it in the bottom of the ninth as Danny Espinosa hit a solo home run. The Braves took the lead back in the eleventh inning on a Janish single to get Uggla in. This held for an 11-10 victory, with Eric O'Flaherty in line for the win, Chad Durbin finishing off for the save, and Tom Gorzelanny was responsible for the loss.

Up in Boston, the Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays. Aaron Laffey and Josh Beckett take their turns in the rotation. Toronto opened in the first inning when Edwin Encarnacion reached on a fielder's choice to bring around Colby Rasmus, before scoring on a J.P. Arencibia single. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the second inning as Rasmus hit a 2-RBI double, plating both Yunel Escobar and Anthony Gose. Toronto got another in the fifth inning as Adam Lind singled Encarnacion across the dish. The Blue Jays added on in the ninth inning as Yan Gomes doubled Travis Snider safely home. Boston avoided the shutout in the ninth inning when Mike Aviles grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Will Middlebrooks, making the final 6-1. Laffey notched the win while Beckett was stuck with the loss.

Into New York, as the Mets host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Johan Santana are the reliable veteran pitchers. Los Angeles started in the first inning as Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bobby Abreu, followed by Jerry Hairston, Jr. singling home Andre Ethier. New York responded in the bottom of the first as David Wright hit a sacrifice fly to get Ruben Tejada home before Ike Davis did the same for Daniel Murphy. The Dodgers fired back in the second inning when Ethier drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Abreu. Los Angeles extended the lead in the third inning with a two-run Luis Cruz home run, sweeping in Hairston. The Mets got one back in the fifth inning on a Murphy double to plate Tejada. New York pulled closer in the sixth inning as Scott Hairston singled to get Andres Torres home. The Dodgers got it back as Juan Rivera singled to score Ethier in the seventh inning. The Mets pulled back in the bottom of the seventh as Jordany Valdespin hit a two-run home run, bringing in Davis. This wasn't enough, as they ended up losing 7-6, with Harang holding on for a win, Kenley Jansen shutting the door for a save, and Santana was left with the loss.

Into Ohio again, with the Cincinnati Reds hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. Marco Estrada and Homer Bailey will be handling the pitching duties. Cincinnati led off with a fourth inning Zack Cozart solo home run. The Reds extended their lead in the seventh inning on solo shots from Jay Bruce and Scott Rolen. Milwaukee found the scoreboard in the eighth inning as Norichika Aoki doubled Martin Maldonado across the dish. They scored no more, losing 3-1, with the win going to Bailey, the save to Aroldis Chapman, and the loss to Estrada.

Down in Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Hisashi Iwakuma and James Shields have the green light to start. Seattle was first to score in the first inning with Casper Wells doubling in Ichiro. Tampa Bay tied it in the sixth inning on a B.J. Upton solo home run, before taking a lead when Jeff Keppinger singled in Ben Zobrist. The Mariners took the lead back in the seventh inning with a two-run home run from Carlos Peguero, also scoring Kyle Seager. The Rays retied it in the bottom of the seventh when Upton singled Desmond Jennings in. Tampa Bay won 4-3 in the fourteenth inning as Zobrist doubled home Carlos Pena. Jake McGee was in line for the win while Tom Wilhelmsen was given the loss.

Up in Kansas City, the Royals host the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and Luke Hochevar are the uninspiring starters. Minnesota began in the second inning with a Darin Mastroianni solo home run. Kansas City tied it in the seventh inning as Yuniesky Betancourt doubled to score Eric Hosmer. The Twins took the lead in the eleventh inning as Josh Willingham singled in Joe Mauer. This was all it took for them to win 2-1, with Casey Fien picking up the win, Glen Perkins shutting the door for a save, and Jonathan Broxton was on the hook for the loss.

East across Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Kyle Lohse man the mound. St. Louis got things going in the first inning as Carlos Beltran singled Allen Craig home, followed by Yadier Molina doing the same for Matt Holliday, and Beltran later scored when Lance Berkman grounded out. Chicago got one back in the second inning as Darwin Barney hit a sacrifice fly to give Bryan LaHair time to score. The Cardinals replied in the third inning as Holliday hit a solo home run. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 4-1. Lohse notched the win, Jason Motte finished for a save, and Dempster's early struggles left him with the loss.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and Trevor Cahill are given the stating nods. Houston opened with a first inning Marwin Gonzalez double to knock in Jordan Schafer, followed by J.D. Martinez grounding into a double play to finish Gonzalez's trip. Arizona got one back in their half of the inning as Stephen Drew doubled in Gerardo Parra. The Diamondbacks tied it in the third inning as Jason Kubel grounded out to give Drew time to score before Justin Upton hit a two-run home run, also scoring Aaron Hill. Arizona struck again in the fifth inning as Upton drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Parra, followed by Miguel Montero singling both Hill and Kubel safely home, Upton scoring on a double from Paul Goldschmidt, and Cahill singling to finish Goldschmidt's trip around. The Astros finally answered in the sixth inning with Brian Bixler reaching on an error to get Brian Bogusevic home before scoring on a Carlos Corporan double. The Diamondbacks extended their lead in the seventh inning when Ryan Roberts singled Montero home, followed by Parra reaching on a fielder's choice to provide time for Goldschmidt, and a 2-RBI Drew single to drive in Ryan Wheeler and Roberts. Houston got one back in the eighth inning as Corporan hit a solo home run. The Astros tried a ninth inning rally with a three-run home run by Scott Moore, sweeping in Gonzalez and Martinez, but they still lost 13-8. Cahill got a messy win while Norris took an uglier loss.

Northwest to Oakland, as the Athletics host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Tommy Milone are on the hill. Oakland began with a third inning Jemile Weeks sacrifice fly to bring around Coco Crisp. The Athletics added on in the fourth inning as Brandon Inge doubled home a fellow Brandon, Mr. Moss. New York got on the board in the eighth inning as Russell Martin hit a solo home run. The Yankees tied it in the ninth inning with a Robinson Cano solo shot. Oakland won 3-2 with a walkoff Moss single in the bottom of the ninth, scoring Yoenis Cespedes. Ryan Cook was given the win while Cody Eppley was stuck with the loss.

Down in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Texas Rangers. Derek Holland and Jered Weaver will be tabbed as starters. Texas started with a first inning solo home run by Elvis Andrus. Los Angeles tied it in the bottom of the first on a Howie Kendrick double plating Mike Trout. The Angels took the lead in the fourth inning as Kendrick grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Albert Pujols to score, followed by Erick Aybar doubling both Kendrick and Alberto Callaspo in. Los Angeles got another in the sixth inning on a Mark Trumbo solo shot. The Angels added on in the seventh inning as Trout hit a solo home run. This made the eventual final 6-1, with Weaver picking up a strong win and Holland was dealt the loss.

Finally, we end in San Diego, as the Padres welcome the Colorado Rockies. Drew Pomeranz and Jason Marquis are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. San Diego led off with a second inning Carlos Quentin solo home run, followed by Yasmani Grandal doubling home Chris Denorfia before scoring on an Everth Cabrera single. Colorado took the lead in the third inning on a Carlos Gonzalez grand slam, sweeping in Pomeranz, Dexter Fowler, and Marco Scutaro. The Padres fired back in their half of the inning as Denorfia tripled to force both Chase Headley and Quentin home before Grandal went yard for a two-run home run to finish Denorfia's trip. The Rockies got one back in the fifth inning as Andrew Brown hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Scutaro. San Diego extended their lead in the eighth inning with Logan Forsythe hitting a sacrifice fly to bring around Cameron Maybin and Headley hitting a solo shot. This was it for the scoring, with the final at 9-5, giving Marquis the win and Pomeranz the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 105 2012

Travel day for a few teams, more getaway days for others, leading to eight matinees, the first of which is in...

Atlanta, with the Braves hosting the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Tim Hudson are the staff aces pitching. San Francisco began with a second inning Emmanuel Burriss single to drive in Pablo Sandoval. Atlanta tied it in the bottom of the second on a Freddie Freeman solo home run. The Braves took the lead in the third inning on a Michael Bourn triple to force in Paul Janish. Atlanta added on in the fourth inning as David Ross hit a solo shot. The Giants got one back in the eighth inning on a Buster Posey sacrifice fly allowing Melky Cabrera to score. They failed to tie the game, losing 3-2, with Hudson earning the win, Craig Kimbrel notching the save, and Bumgarner was given the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Cleveland Indians. Ubaldo Jimenez and David Price receive the starting nods. Tampa Bay got on the board with a third inning Luke Scott solo home run. The Rays added on in the sixth inning with a 3-RBI B.J. Upton double to sweep in all of Desmond Jennings, Jose Molina, and Sean Rodriguez, followed by a Carlos Pena single to finish Upton's trip around. Tampa Bay struck again in the seventh inning on a Jeff Keppinger double to drive in Scott. This was good for a 6-0 win, earned by Price, while Jimenez suffered the loss.

Northwest to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Mike Leake will make the starts. Arizona led off with a first inning single by Paul Goldschmidt to drive in Willie Bloomquist. The Diamondbacks added on in the third inning as Aaron Hill singled Bloomquist home. Arizona got another in the fifth inning on a Hill solo home run. The Diamondbacks padded the lead in the sixth inning as Chris Young doubled in Justin Upton before scoring on a two-run Henry Blanco home run. Cincinnati got on the board in the bottom of the sixth as Brandon Phillips hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Drew Stubbs and Wilson Valdez. The Reds rallied in the seventh inning, as Valdez reached on an error that allowed Xavier Paul to come home, before tying the game on a Phillips double plating both Stubbs and Valdez, and then they took the lead as Phillips came home when Todd Frazier singled. This gave them a 7-6 lead they would not relinquish, with Alfredo Simon in line for the win, Aroldis Chapman notching his fifteenth save of the season, and Bryan Shaw taking the loss.

Back east, the Washington Nationals host the New York Mets. R.A. Dickey and Gio Gonzalez pace the game. New York established an early lead with David Wright hitting a two-run home run in the first inning, also scoring Andres Torres. Washington answered in the bottom of the first with a Ryan Zimmerman solo home run. The Mets shot back in the second inning with an Ike Davis solo shot. New York padded the lead in the third inning as Scott Hairston grounded into a double play that allowed Ruben Tejada to score, followed by Davis singling home Torres. The Mets extended the lead in the fourth inning with Tejada singling to plate Josh Thole before scoring alongside Torres on a three-run Wright home run. The Nationals got one back in the sixth inning with Michael Morse hitting a sacrifice fly to give Mark DeRosa time to dash home. Washington pulled closer in the eighth inning when Morse doubled to knock in Ian Desmond and Sandy Leon reached on an error that gave Morse time to cross the plate. The Nationals tried a ninth inning rally as Roger Bernadina singled DeRosa home, but this only made it 9-5, a final. Dickey got the win while Gonzalez had a rough go of it in the loss. 

Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jerome Williams and Max Scherzer try to improve their stats by pitching. Detroit started in the second inning on a Jhonny Peralta double to knock in Prince Fielder, followed by a two-run home run from Alex Avila to finish Peralta's trip around. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning with a Danny Worth double allowing safe passage home for Peralta. Detroit got another in the fifth inning as Miguel Cabrera hit a solo home run. Los Angeles took it back in the sixth inning with a Mike Trout solo shot. They scored no more, falling 5-1, with Scherzer earning the win and Williams was dealt the loss.

West to Minnesota, where the Twins host the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Cole De Vries are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Minnesota quickly scored in the first inning as Josh Willingham singled in Ben Revere and Trevor Plouffe doubled home Joe Mauer. Baltimore got one back in the second inning on a Chris Davis solo home run. The Twins replied in the fourth inning on an Alexi Casilla sacrifice fly to bring around Justin Morneau. The Orioles answered back in the seventh inning as Nick Markakis reached on an error, allowing Davis to dash home. Baltimore took the lead in the eighth inning with Mark Reynolds singling both Matt Wieters and Wilson Betemit home. This held up for a 4-3 win, with Chen picking up the win, Jim Johnson turned the save, and Alex Burnett was responsible for the loss.

Down in Kansas City, the Royals host the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez faced a lesser foe in Will Smith in pitching. Seattle began in the second inning as Jesus Montero hit a solo home run, followed by Michael Saunders singling in Kyle Seager and Brendan Ryan hitting a sacrifice fly to knock in Justin Smoak. The Mariners got another in the fifth inning as Montero singled home Ichiro. Kansas City got on the board in the bottom of the fifth on a Chris Getz single to drive in Eric Hosmer. Seattle padded the lead in the seventh inning with a Montero double to bring around Casper Wells. The Mariners made it 6-1 in the ninth inning as Montero hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Dustin Ackley to score.

Up in Chicago, the Cubs host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Paul Maholm are the veteran starters. Chicago rallied to a fifth inning lead with an Alfonso Soriano solo home run, followed by a Luis Valbuena sacrifice fly to bring in Jeff Baker and a Reed Johnson single plating both Geovany Soto and Darwin Barney. Miami got one back in the sixth inning on an Emilio Bonifacio groundout that gave time for Donovan Solano to dash home. The Marlins got another in the ninth inning as Greg Dobbs singled to knock in Carlos Lee, but they still fell by a 4-2 score. Maholm was effective in the win, while Carlos Marmol turned in a sloppy save and Buehrle was on the hook for the loss.

Speaking of Chicago, the White Sox pay a little visit to Boston to play the Red Sox. Jose Quintana and Clay Buchholz are on the hill. Chicago started the scoring in the fourth inning on an Alex Rios sacrifice fly to plate Adam Dunn. Boston won it 3-1 in the ninth inning with a walkoff three-run home run by Cody Ross, sweeping in Dustin Pedroia and Nick Punto. Alfredo Aceves was in line for the win while Matt Thornton was the victim of the loss.

Way west, the San Diego Padres host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell is mismatched with Edinson Volquez. San Diego led off in the first inning with a Logan Forsythe single to knock in Alexi Amarista. This was the only run, with the final standing at 1-0 Padres. Volquez got the win with a complete game, one-hit and three-walk shutout, while Harrell had no help in the loss.

Finally, in Oakland, the Athletics host the New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia and A.J. Griffin have the manager's approval to pitch. Oakland opened with a first inning two-run Yoenis Cespedes home run, also scoring Jemile Weeks. The Athletics added on in the third inning as Seth Smith singled to score both Coco Crisp and Weeks. New York got on the board in the sixth inning with Mark Teixeira hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher singling home Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees tried a rally in the ninth inning on a Swisher solo home run, but it wasn't enough to avoid the 4-3 loss. Griffin was given the win, Ryan Cook tossed his tenth save of the season, and Garcia was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 104 2012

Full slate for a getaway day, meaning six of the games come early. As a side note, this post won't be finished until later tomorrow as I have the honor and privilege of seeing my hometown Seattle Sounders FC host the English Premier League's Chelsea FC. For the baseball games, we begin with six matinees, starting in...

New York, where the Yankees host the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero and Hiroki Kuroda are the reliable pitchers. New York opened after about an hour of rain in the first inning as Nick Swisher singled in Derek Jeter before scoring on a two-run Mark Teixiera home run, followed by Andruw Jones singling Robinson Cano home. The Yankees got another in the fourth inning when Dewayne Wise hit a ground rule double, forcing in Jayson Nix. New York padded the lead in the sixth inning as Wise singled Nix home.This was good for a seven-inning 6-0 win, with Kuroda going the distance in the rain-shortened game and Romero was stuck holding the loss.

West to Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright faces a lesser foe in Tyler Thornburg. Milwaukee led off in the first inning as Corey Hart singled both Norichika Aoki and Nyjer Morgan home, followed by Carlos Gomez reaching on an error to bring in Aramis Ramirez. St. Louis got on the board in the second inning as David Freese hit a solo home run. The Cardinals pulled closer in the third inning with an Allen Craig solo shot. St. Louis tried a ninth inning rally with Freese drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Carlos Beltran, but they still lost 4-3. John Axford was in line for the win, Francisco Rodriguez turned an ugly save, and Wainwright was not freed from the loss.

Way west in California, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Philadelphia Phillies. Cliff Lee and Clayton Kershaw are the staff aces pitching. Los Angeles started in the second inning on a solo home run by Juan Rivera. Philadelphia tied it in the fourth inning when Carlos Ruiz singled home Shane Victorino. The Phillies took a lead in the tenth inning as Hunter Pence singled both Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley safely home. The Dodgers tied it in the bottom of the tenth as Bobby Abreu singled to knock in Luis Cruz, before scoring on a single by Matt Kemp. Los Angeles won in the twelfth inning by a 5-3 score with a two-run home run from Kemp, sweeping in Mark Ellis. Jamey Wright was in line for the win, while Jake Diekman suffered the loss.

Backtracking to Colorado, where the Rockies host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Jeremy Guthrie are handed the ball. Colorado began in the first inning on a Dexter Fowler solo home run, followed by a two-run home run by Carlos Gonzalez, also scoring Marco Scutaro. Pittsburgh got one back in the second inning as Pedro Alvarez hit a solo shot. The Rockies padded their lead in the bottom of the second as Scutaro grounded out to bring in Jordan Pacheco, followed by Andrew Brown singling Josh Rutledge in. The Pirates got some back in the third inning on a three-run Garrett Jones home run, sweeping in McDonald and Andrew McCutchen, before taking the lead on a 2-RBI Clint Barmes single scoring Casey McGehee and Alvarez. Colorado fired back in the fourth inning on a Brown single to drive in Scutaro. Pittsburgh retook the lead in the fifth inning on a two-run blast by McGehee, also scoring Jones, followed by a Rod Barajas solo home run. This was all for the scoring, with he final being 9-6. McDonald picked up an ugly win, while Joel Hanrahan turned the save and Matt Reynolds was stuck holding the loss.

Back in California, the Oakland Athletics welcome the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis returns from the disabled list to face Travis Blackley. Texas finally opened the scoring in the fifth inning as Craig Gentry doubled in Brandon Snyder. Oakland tied it in their half of the inning on a Brandon Inge solo home run. The Rangers took the lead back in the sixth inning as Michael Young singled home Elvis Andrus, followed by Nelson Cruz doing the same for Adrian Beltre. The Athletics tied it in the seventh inning on a 2-RBI Josh Reddick double, driving in Inge and Brandon Hicks. Oakland won the game in the bottom of the ninth by a 4-3 score on a Hicks solo shot. Ryan Cook picked up the win and Michael Kirkman was given the loss.

South to San Diego, as the Padres host the Houston Astros. Wandy Rodriguez and Clayton Richard are the solid pitchers. San Diego got going in the fourth inning as Alexi Amarista scored on a wild pitch, followed by Chris Denorfia singling Logan Forsythe and Chase Headley home, followed by both Carlos Quentin and Denorfia coming home on a Yonder Alonso double. The Padres got another in the fifth inning as Headley used two errors to come home. Houston got some back in the sixth inning when Matt Downs hit a three-run home run, sweeping in J.D. Martinez and Justin Maxwell. San Diego answered in their half of the inning as the pitcher Richard doubled Everth Cabrera across the dish. The Padres got another in the seventh inning as Alonso doubled to plate Denorfia. The Astros got one back in the ninth inning on a Downs solo home run. This was as close as it got, with the final at 8-4, leaving Richard the win, Huston Street hit fifteenth save of the season, and Rodriguez was on the hook for the loss.

Back northeast, the Detroit Tigers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson and Doug Fister the well-known pitchers. Los Angeles quickly scored in the first inning on an Albert Pujols solo home run. Detroit answered in the bottom of the first with a Delmon Young single to knock in Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers added on in the second inning as Ryan Raburn singled in Brennan Boesch, Cabrera grounded out to bring home Gerald Laird, and Prince Fielder hit a 2-RBI single plating Danny Worth and Raburn. Detroit padded the lead in the fifth inning as Boesch doubled to score both Cabrera and Jhonny Peralta. The Angels tried a rally in the ninth inning on a Torii Hunter groundout to drive in Mike Trout, but it wasn't enough to avoid a 7-2 loss. Fister earned the win and Wilson was stuck with the loss.

East further to Washington, as the Nationals host the New York Mets. Chris Young and Jordan Zimmermann get the starting nods. Washington began with a sixth inning two-run home run from Adam LaRoche, also scoring Bryce Harper. New York got one back in the seventh inning as Andres Torres singled Lucas Duda home. The Nationals padded their lead in the bottom of the seventh on a Steve Lombardozzi double, plating both Jesus Flores and Roger Bernadina. The Mets tried a ninth inning rally with a pair of solo home runs from David Wright and Jason Bay, but they still lost 4-3. Zimmerman picked up a strong win, Tyler Clippard turned in his fifteenth save in an ugly fashion, and Young was not freed from the loss.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Rays host the Cleveland Indians. Justin Masterson and Jeremy Hellickson take the mound. Tampa Bay started in the second inning on an Elliot Johnson single to bring in Luke Scott and a B.J. Upton sacrifice fly allowing Desmond Jennings to come home. The Rays added on in the third inning with Scott singling in Ben Zobrist and Jennings hitting a bunt single to give Matt Joyce time to score. Cleveland got going in the fifth inning on a Jack Hannahan double to knock in both Carlos Santana and Casey Kotchman before he scored on a single by Shin-Soo Choo. The Indians rallied ahead in the seventh inning as Jason Kipnis singled home Choo, Michael Brantley did the same for Asdrubal Cabrera, and Santana cleared the bases with a three-run home run, sweeping in Kipnis and Brantley. Tampa Bay got one back in the bottom of the seventh as Johnson singled to drive in Scott. Cleveland went back to work in the ninth inning as Kipnis singled in Cabrera and Santana finished Kipnis' trip with a single. The Rays tried a rally in their half of the ninth as Jennings grounded out to get Jeff Keppinger home but they would still fall 10-6. Esmil Rogers was in lnie for the win while Kyle Farnsworth was on the hook for the loss.

North a bit to Atlanta, as the Braves host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelsong and Mike Minor are the talented pitchers. Atlanta opened with a third inning Juan Francisco solo home run. San Francisco tied it in the sixth inning on a Melky Cabrera solo shot. The Giants took the lead in the tenth inning as Justin Christian reached on an error allowing Joaquin Arias to score and Cabrera single to drive in Brandon Crawford. The Braves evened the ledger with a two-run Brian McCann home run in the bottom of the tenth, also scoring Freddie Freeman. San Francisco charged ahead with a pair of three-run home runs, as Crawford hit the first blast, sweeping in Eli Whiteside and Brandon Belt, followed by Gregor Blanco going yard and taking both Christian and Cabrera with him. Atlanta got one back in their half of the inning on a Chipper Jones solo home run, but this only made it a 9-4 final. Santiago Casilla got the win despite blowing the save while Anthony Varvaro was responsible for the loss.

Still to the north, the Boston Red Sox host the Chicago White Sox. Pedro Hernandez and Felix Doubront are the little-known pitchers. Chicago wasted no time in scoring with a first inning Paul Konerko single to drive in Alejandro De Aza. Boston answered in the bottom of the first as Adrian Gonzalez singled home Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox took the lead in the third inning as Cody Ross hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Ellsbury and Carl Crawford. Boston added on in the fourth inning as Ross went yard again on a three-run blast, also scoring Pedro Ciriaco and Ellsbury, followed by a Gonzalez solo home run. The Red Sox got some more in the sixth inning with a 2-RBI Gonzalez single to plate Crawford and Ross. This made it 10-1, an eventual final, with Doubront picking up the win and Hernandez getting hit hard in the loss.

Over in Cincinnati, the Reds host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Mat Latos are the staff aces pitching. Arizona led off in the first inning on a two-run Jason Kubel home run, also scoring Aaron Hill. Cincinnati got one back in the second inning on a Drew Stubbs single to drive in Ryan Hanigan. The Diamondbacks shot back in the fourth inning as Kubel went yard again on a solo shot. Arizona extended the lead in the fifth inning with Hill doubling Ryan Roberts in and Miguel Montero drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in the pitcher Kennedy. The Diamondbacks got some more in the eighth inning with Paul Goldschmidt doubling Justin Upton across the dish before scoring on a passed ball. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 8-1, with the win going to Kennedy and the loss to Latos.

West further into Chicago, as the Cubs host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Jeff Samardzija will handle the pitching. Miami got things going in the third inning on a Jose Reyes solo home run. Chicago tied it in the fourth inning as Starlin Castro hit a solo shot. The Cubs took the lead in the seventh inning as Geovany Soto singled in Alfonso Soriano before scoring alongside Darwin Barney on a double from Jeff Baker, and then David DeJesus hit a sacrifice fly to give Luis Valbuena time to dash home. The rain cut this game short as well, so after eight innings, the final stood at 5-1. James Russell picked up the win and Johnson was handed the loss.

Up into Minnesota, as the Twins welcome the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Francisco Liriano take the hill. Baltimore quickly took a first inning on a two-run Adam Jones home run, sweeping in J.J. Hardy. Minnesota got one back in the fourth inning on a Josh Willingham solo home run. This wasn't enough, and they scored no more throughout the game to avoid the 2-1 loss, setting Hunter up for the win, Jim Johnson for a save, and Liriano took the hard luck loss.

Finally, in Kansas City, the Royals host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Bruce Chen have the green light to pitch. Seattle was first to score in the second inning with a Kyle Seager solo home run. Kansas City rallied ahead in their half of the inning as Mike Moustakas doubled in Billy Butler, followed by Brayan Pena grounding out to bring in Lorenzo Cain and Chris Getz reaching on a bunt single to finish Moustakas' trip around. The Mariners tied it in the fourth inning as Casper Wells hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ichiro. The Royals took the lead back in their half of the inning on a 2-RBI Alex Gordon double to plate both Pena and Getz. Kansas City added on in the fifth inning with Cain hitting a two-run home run, sweeping in Butler. Seattle shot back in the sixth inning as Miguel Olivo singled Wells across the dish. The Mariners rallied to tie in the seventh inning when Jesus Montero singled in both Ichiro and Wells, followed by Seager doubling Montero in. The Royals got the last laugh, winning in walkoff fashion in the ninth inning on a Butler solo shot for a 9-8 final. Greg Holland grabbed the win while Josh Kinney was on the hook for the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 103 2012

Back to the full slate again, beginning with...

The Washington Nationals hosting the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Ross Detwiler will get the starts. Washington led off in the fifth inning on a Tyler Moore solo home run. The Nationals added on in the eighth inning as Steve Lombardozzi doubled in Mark DeRosa. New York took a lead in the ninth inning as Jordany Valdespin hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Josh Thole and David Wright. Washington retied it in their half of the inning when Danny Espinosa singled to score Ian Desmond. The Mets got the lead again in the tenth inning on a Thole double, knocking in Daniel Murphy. The Nationals tied it again in the bottom of the tenth as Bryce Harper tripled to force in Jhonatan Solano, before winning 5-4 as Ryan Zimmerman scored on a walkoff wild pitch. Ryan Mattheus was in line for the win while Tim Byrdak was stuck with the loss.

West to Detroit, as the Tigers welcome the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Garrett Richards and Jacob Turner are the unknown pitchers. Los Angeles was first on the board in the first inning as Albert Pujols singled in Mike Trout, before scoring alongside Torii Hunter on a three-run home run by Mark Trumbo. The Angels struck again in the second inning on a two-run home run from Trout, also scoring Bobby Wilson, followed by a Pujols solo home run. Los Angeles got going again in the sixth inning with a Kendrys Morales single to drive in Hunter before a three-run Alberto Callaspo swept in Pujols and Morales. The Angels got another in the eighth inning on a Morales solo shot. Los Angeles made it 13-0 in the ninth inning on a Peter Bourjos double to score Trout. Richards picked up the win while Turner took the brunt of the shellacking.

Back east, the New York Yankees host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brett Cecil and CC Sabathia will be sent out to pitch. New York got going in the second inning on a three-run home run by Andruw Jones, also scoring Robinson Cano and Nick Swisher. The Yankees rallied to extend the lead in the seventh inning as Chris Stewart doubled home Jayson Nix before scoring on a Derek Jeter double, and Jeter later scored as Alex rodriguez grounded into a fielder's choice. Toronto got on the board in the eighth inning as Colby Rasmus hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Jeff Mathis to score. This made it 6-1, a final, with Sabathia showing well in the win, while Rafael Soriano cleaned up a mess for the save and Cecil was responsible for the loss.

South to Tampa Bay, where the Rays host the Cleveland Indians. Josh Tomlin and Matt Moore are the young starters. Tampa Bay started in the first inning as Carlos Pena hit a two-run home run, also scoring B.J. Upton, followed by a Luke Scott triple to force in Ben Zobrist. Cleveland got on the board in the fourth inning as Jose Lopez hitting a sacrifice fly to get Asdrubal Cabrera home. The Indians pulled closer in the fifth inning on a Jason Kipnis single to plate Lou Marson. The Rays got one back in the sixth inning as Jose Lobaton singled to knock in Desmond Jennings. This was all for the scoring, leaving the final at 4-2, with Moore getting the win, Fernando Rodney tossing the save, and Tomlin suffered the loss.

Northwest again to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Bauer opposes Johnny Cueto in pitching. Cincinnati opened in the first inning as Ryan Ludwick walked on a wild pitch, which gave Drew Stubbs time to come home. The Reds added on in the third inning as Ludwick hit a three-run home, sweeping in Zack Cozart and Brandon Phillips. There was no more scoring, with the final standing at 4-0, allowing Cueto the win, while Aroldis Chapman cleaned up a mess for a save, and Bauer had a rough outing in the loss.

Backtracking to Atlanta, where the Braves host the San Francisco Giants. Barry Zito and Jair Jurrjens are the beleaguered pitchers. San Francisco began in the first inning with a Buster Posey double to drive in Gregor Blanco. The Giants added on in the third inning with a Posey single to knock in Melky Cabrera. San Francisco rallied to extend the lead in the fourth inning beginning with Zito singling home Angel Pagan, followed by Ryan Theriot doing the same for Brandon Belt, Cabrera following suit to finish Zito's trip around, and Posey hitting a 3-RBI double to sweep in Blanco, Theriot, and Cabrera. The Giants got another in the fifth inning when Blanco singled home Brandon Crawford. This ended the scoring at 9-0, allowing Zito to coast to a dominant win, while Jurrjens was stuck with the loss.

North once again to Boston, as the Red Sox welcome the Chicago White Sox. Philip Humber is mismatched with Jon Lester. Chicago established a first inning lead when Paul Konerko doubled in Kevin Youkilis and Alex Rios singled home Adam Dunn. Boston got on the board as Carl Crawford singled to knock in Jacoby Ellsbury, before coming home on an Adrian Gonzalez single. The White Sox took the lead back in the second inning on an Alejandro De Aza doubled to plate Alexei Ramirez. Chicago padded their lead in the fourth inning as Youkilis hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham. The White Sox got another in the sixth inning on a De Aza single to bring home Ramirez. The Red Sox got some back in the eighth inning when Will Middlebrooks singled Crawford in before scoring on a two-run home run by Kelly Shoppach. This wasn't enough, as they lost 7-5, with Humber taking the win, Addison Reed tossing the save as his fifteenth of the season, and Lester was handed the loss.

Out west, the Chicago Cubs host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Travis Wood will get the starting nods. Miami began in the fourth inning with Austin Kearns singling in Carlos Lee before scoring on a two-run home run by Omar Infante. The Marlins added on in the fifth inning as Lee hit a grand slam to sweep in all of the pitcher Sanchez, Jose Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio, followed by Infante singling Hanley Ramirez in. Chicago got on the board in the bottom of the fifth as Jeff Baker hit a solo home run. The Cubs got another in the sixth inning as Joe Mather reached on an error giving Geovany Soto time to come home. Miami shot back in the seventh inning on a Ramirez solo shot. Chicago got some back in the eighth inning on a Luis Valbuena double plating both Soto and Steve Clevenger, before finishing his trip on a Baker single. This was as close as it got, with the final at 9-5, giving the win to Sanchez, and the loss to Wood.

Up to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Baltimore Orioles. Zach Britton and Samuel Deduno are the complete unknown pitchers. Baltimore started as Nick Markakis scored on a wild pitch in the first inning. Minnesota tied it in the fourth inning on a Jamey Carroll double to knock in Ryan Doumit. The Orioles took the lead again in the fifth inning as Adam Jones hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Markakis and Jim Thome. The Twins rallied back in the bottom of the fifth on a 2-RBI Doumit single, scoring both Josh Willingham and Justin Morneau, followed by Brian Dozier singling to plate Trevor Plouffe. Minnesota took the lead in the seventh inning as Ben Revere singled in Carroll and Joe Mauer did the same for Denard Span. This was good enough for a 6-4 win, earned by Alex Burnett, while Jared Burton got a spot save and Luis Ayala was on the hook for the loss.

Over in Milwaukee, the Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe Kelly goes up against Randy Wolf in pitching. Milwaukee led off in the first inning on a Corey Hart single to drive in Norichika Aoki. St. Louis answered in the third inning when Jon Jay doubled home Rafael Furcal, followed by a Carlos Beltran sacrifice fly to score Allen Craig. The Brewers tied it in the fourth inning on an Aramis Ramirez single to knock in Carlos Gomez. Milwaukee took the lead with a fourth inning solo home run by Rickie Weeks. They held on from here to win 3-2, with the win belonging to Wolf, the save to Francisco Rodriguez, and the loss to Kelly.

Back south, the Kansas City Royals host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Ryan Verdugo are the unheard of starters. Seattle struck early in the first inning as Jesus Montero doubled in Casper Wells before scoring on a two-run home run by Justin Smoak. The Mariners added on in the second inning as Montero singled Dustin Ackley home and Kyle Seager doubled to plate both Ichiro and Montero. Kansas City got on the board in the third inning as Alex Gordon tripled to force in Jarrod Dyson, before coming the final 90 feet home on an Alcides Escobar single, and Escobar scored when Billy Butler hit a single. Seattle extended their lead in the fifth inning as Michael Saunders hit a two-run home run, knocking in Miguel Olivo, followed by Ackley tripling Brendan Ryan across the dish. The Royals pulled back in the seventh inning with Chris Getz grounding out to allow Jeff Francoeur to score, followed by Lorenzo Cain's two-run homer, plating Salvador Perez. They couldn't get any closer, falling 9-6, with the win credited to Beaven, the save turned by Tom Wilhelmsen, and the loss pinned on Verdugo.

Westward in Colorado, the Rockies welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard faces a lesser foe in Christian Friedrich. Colorado got going in the third inning as Michael Cuddyer reached on an error to bring in Marco Scutaro. Pittsburgh tied it in the fourth inning as Andrew McCutchen hit a solo home run. The Rockies took the lead back in their half of the inning as Josh Rutledge tripled to force in Willin Rosario. The Pirates rallied ahead in the fifth inning as Alex Presley grounded out to get Michael McKenry home, followed by Drew Sutton singling in Clint Barmes before scoring on a wild pitch, and Casey McGehee singled McCutchen across the dish. Pittsburgh added on in the eighth inning with a MeKenry double to drive in Neil Walker. This made it 6-2, with Bedard picking up the win, Joel Hanrahan converting his twenty-fifth save of the season, and Friedrich was designated with the loss.

West farther to Oakland, as the Athletics host the Texas Rangers. Roy Oswalt and Bartolo Colon take the mound. Texas began in the third inning on an Elvis Andrus single to knock in Craig Gentry. The Rangers added on in the fourth inning with an Adrian Beltre solo home run, followed by Mike Napoli singling Michael Young home and then Gentry laid down a bunt single, allowing safe passage home for Nelson Cruz. Oakland got on the board in the seventh inning with a Josh Reddick solo shot. Texas extended the lead in the eighth inning with a Josh Hamilton solo home run. The Rangers padded the lead in the ninth inning on a sacrifice fly from Hamilton to drive in Napoli. This produced a 6-1 final, with Oswalt getting the win and Colon taking the loss.

Down in San Diego, the Padres host the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles and Ross Ohlendorf have the green light to pitch. Houston started in the second inning as Carlos Corporan grounded out to bring in Jordan Schafer. San Diego took the lead in the bottom of the second on a two-run Yonder Alonso home run, also scoring Yasmani Grandal. The Astros retied it in the third inning as J.D. Martinez singled to plate Marwin Gonzalez. The Padres took the lead again in the fifth inning on a Chase Headley double to knock in Logan Forsythe, followed by Headley scoring when Grandal singled. San Diego extended the lead in the sixth inning with an Alexi Amarist single providing Cameron Maybin time to dash home. The Padres padded the lead in the seventh inning as Alonso doubled in Headley and Maybin hit a ground rule double to force in Alonso and Will Venable. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 8-2, as Ohlendorf got the win while Lyles was pinned with the loss.

Finally, we end in Los Angeles, where the Dodgers host the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay paces the game with Stephen Fife. Philadelphia got things going in the first inning as Chase Utley grounded out to bring home Jimmy Rollins. Los Angeles took a lead in the second inning on a James Loney single driving in Andre Ethier before Luis Cruz did the same for Adam Kennedy. The Phillies took the lead back in the eighth inning as Hunter Pence singled in both Utley and John Mayberry. This gave them a 3-2 lead, which was a final, giving Kyle Kendrick the win, Jonathan Papelbon the save, and Ronald Belisario was stuck with the loss.

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